Hi, a bit of a write up I posted elsewhere on the event and pics. Would be great to see of the TAS members at future events! Perhaps this might entice some to come along. R
Ok, so not long got home and put the bits of my system back system together. With lunch cooking and my head feeling clearer after yesterday’s lubrication here’s my summing up and phone pics. There were plenty photos taken throughout the course of the day with somewhat better equipment so hopefully we’ll see some more of them on here.
Firstly a HUGE THANK YOU, to all who attended and make NEBO what it is. You never know how these events are going to go and I was a bit concerned that some of the usual suspects and people who had confirmed on here and elsewhere couldn’t make it and having just returned from hols, I wasn’t able to take last minute rain checks from people. Nonetheless, we still had a good turn out and what a fantastic venue the St Georges Hotel proved it be. I think if we were ever considering a full blown show a’la Scalford then this would be the perfect venue for it. Plenty parking, easy load in/out, decent rooms, very helpful staff, good rates etc. Particular mention here to young Jonathan the receptionist/barman/fixer who went out of his way several times during the course of the day to ensure we were looked after in spite of having a National Holidays coach party in the hotel to sort out. At the end of the night my room was comfortable for crashing out in as a busy few days caught up with me.
So, onto the event itself… Got there around 10.30 to find Steve, Ken, and Steve already there and getting set up. We were joined shortly after by Mike who it was lovely to see again. Mike had been one of the first Audio forum members I’d ever met.. We’d visited each other to hear our systems way back and it was nice to catch up again. We had loads of space for gear and could easily have accommodated many more systems. I was a bit worried the massive ballroom would prove a challenge to getting good sound with that massive dancefloor and iffy acoustics but not a bit of it, the partition dividers worked a treat and we were able to create two good spaces for the gear and mostly overcome the challenges the enormity of the venue presented.
Whilst Ken was setting up his showcase system Mike and I set up an initial system with my Rega RS5, Arcam CD17/A29, Chromecast Audio, DAC and his modified Rega Planar which sounded fab through the Arcam’s own phonostage. We played a variety of stuff on this system as people began to arrive, including some jazz from Curtis Amy, shoegaze rock from Mazzy Star, prog from Pink Floyd/Porcupine Tree, and plenty picks from Mike’s crate of vinyl. Pics below show this early doors system with Mik Rik’s TVC preamp, Steve’s Schit Mani phono stage and the fabulous Proton Power amp in waiting for the next round.
After a good spell enjoying this system and during which time we were joined by more familiar faces (Clarkey555, Vinyljunky, Halfway Tree) the big guns in the shape of Steve’s monolithic Heco ‘The Statement’ speakers were brought out for more vinyl and CDs. These were stunning and filled the space effortlessly. Plenty of great vinyl being played on this system including Fox, Terence Trent D’arby and Grace Jones and also CDs brought along by the attendees.
I think it was around this time I became aware of new faces amongst us and it was genuine pleasure to welcome, Peter, JohnB, Bruce and JohnJ to NEBO who had both travelled to join us, JohnJ in particular making the trip from Northern Ireland, thanks for making the journey!
Then we moved onto Ken’s system, I won’t attempt to describe what work Ken has done on this system as it is covered in other threads elsewhere, except to say that he really played a blinder with his DIY 3 way speakers, fabulous turntable and meticulous attention to detail throughout. Ken has every right to be happy with this system as it sounded wonderful and filled the space he had beautifully. A good chunk of the afternoon was spent with this system, Ken accommodating many vinyl requests and Peter’s Rega valve ISIS proving to sources of the highest quality. It’s well known I’ve soft spot for a bit Rega and hearing the flagship CD player was a real treat. I’d have one in my system anyday, very natural and engaging for digital source.
With the afternoon seemingly disappearing whilst we enjoyed the music, Mr Kipling brought us an exceedingly good CD player to enjoying in the shape of his Technics. Combined with the TVC preamp, Proton power amp and HECO speakers this was a hugely enjoyable system and his selections of live Roy Orbison, Louis Prima got our toes tapping and my Amazon account took a hammering for these and other CDs we played on this system. We even got to sample some dub from Radical Dance Faction and Mad Professor as well as great acoustic stuff from Morphine.
Then back to the black stuff (or purple or luminous), Vinyljunky living up to his name with his Thorens deck with Mission arm/ZYX cartridge and Primare phono stage played in the TVC/Proton/Heco system for a bit. A little fettling had this deck really singing with some southern rock and plenty more digs from the various crates around.
As the evening drew on and we became hungry, plans were hatched for a takeaway curry to be ordered in. Whilst we waited for our grub and dined we put the Arcam CD player back into action for some acoustic blues from Mr Mayall. The sound from this system really filled the room whilst we filled our bellies with the grub and soaked up some of the drink. (Hats off to Mike for negotiating the extra poppadums and pickles).
Fed and watered it was now onto the late session and in normal NEBO fashion that means valves and vinyl. It wouldn’t be NEBO without the Radford making an appearance and it paired up with the HECO monsters beautifully, didn’t struggle one bit, an excellent match. Just a lovely rich and energetic sound from this amp. As spirited as the first time I ever hear it. The keen eyed amongst you will observe the soon to be patented ceramic isolation technique, remember you saw it here first folks!
With this system sounding good it was time for a little phono stage bake off, in this case the Schit Mani up against a Firebottle entry level offering. Sorry I cant recall the proper name of it, sure someone will clarify. For this we broke out a vintage automatic Pioneer deck from Mick with my Denon DL-110. The deck itself seemed to be prone to a bit of rumble/feedback on certain bass frequencies, very odd, much fettling ensured and we got it under control but all agreed that was a shortcoming of the deck itself rather than any of the matching equipment. Soldering on we used 3 tracks for the bake off, 2 from ZZ Top Tres Hombres and Come Together from the Beatles Abbey Road. Both phono stages availed themselves well and for pocket money the Schit seems a good buy. The Firebottle for me though saw greater separation, more resolved and composed overall. One small criticism I found with it was the cymbal hits on the 2 ZZ Top tracks, they just seemed a little thin and, like an odd decay effect. I dunno, blame the cider but I need to go back and hear this again in my own system to see what is actually going on. I’m not a phono stage affecionado, living mostly with digital sources. Interesting to know others thoughts on this.
Other than that I know very little about the Firebottle or Schitt as they were brought by one of the attendees.
Other notable mentions, a Primaluna power amp I was really impressed with brought by John. So composed and engaging, lovely thing. Again it paired well with the HECOs and TVC pre.
Ken’s amazing turntable
Ken’s DIY speakers (note top secret design ceramic isolation units, rrp £100 each, contact me for a special order!)
A real treat for a Kraftwerk fan.
Mick’s Yaqin valve preamp
Steve’s spinning reels, ‘meet the new boss, same as the old boss’ ;-)
The Firebottle OTP
So that’s it for now, I think if we do another we’ll use the same venue. It seems to be a great home for us and, if we’re all behind it NEBO will continue. A personal thanks to everyone who came, contributed and who has supported NEBO over the years. It is the people that make it.
Rich.
